Construction of dams to help meet growing demand of water in country

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water Reservoirs Syed Javed Ali Shah on Thursday underlined the need for construction of dams to meet growing demand of water in the country.

With the construction of dams, wastage of rainy and flood water could have been avoided in a befitting manner, he said.

While talking to a news channel he said the work on some reservoirs was in progress due to consensus among the stakeholders. Upgradation of Mangla dam had been completed while the projects of Neelum-Jehlum and Diamer-Bhasha would be accomplished in near future, he added.

To a question regarding water issues with neighboring country, he said India was involved in violation of Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan would again seek help from International Court of Justice regarding Indian violations, Syed Javed Ali said. He expressed hope that India would come forward for resolving the issues with Pakistan regarding Indus Water Treaty.

To another question he said all the provinces should focus on formulating a policy on water and express unanimity on it.

As far as matter of water policy was concerned, he said the government would announce comprehensive water policy first time in the history of Pakistan.